Summer work program for students with disabilities

The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) for a Summer Work Experience program for transition-age students with disabilities, including at least 20% students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The program aims to provide supervised community-based work experiences, pre-employment transition services, and post-program assessment and reporting to help prepare students for future competitive integrated employment. Qualified individuals, firms, schools, school districts, Educational Service Districts, and units of local and county-based governments are invited to submit applications. Applicants must meet minimum qualifications related to experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and employing qualified staff. The program is expected to run from the 2022 summer work season through September 30, 2027, with application deadlines occurring annually. Proposals must include a detailed program and budget, including a "Total Cost per Student" figure.

The RFA allows for multiple contracts or agreements to be awarded based on the location and number of responsive applications received. Existing providers of the 2021 summer work program may be approved for the 2023 season without reapplying. The RFA does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, and it does not provide any information on incumbent vendors or current contractors. The total available funding for the program and potential award values are also not stated in the provided documents.